Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Jeremy Jarvi '98
“I believe in paying it forward,” Trinity alumnus Jeremy Jarvi ’98 said. “My parents worked hard and sacrificed to provide my brothers and I with the opportunity to attend Trinity. I never want financial resources to be the reason a young man cannot have the same life-changing experience as I did.”
Jeremy lives that philosophy as a philanthropy professional and as a person.
Jeremy came to Trinity from St. Gabriel Catholic School. He followed his uncles and two older brothers, Jason ’96 and Josh ’97, to his eventual alma mater. Jeremy played golf for the Rocks all four years, earning Academic All-State honors. He also was a member of the National Honor Society and received two Shamrock Awards.
Jeremy remembers Trinity as being safe, structured and supportive.
“It seemed huge at first, but it was very welcoming,” Jeremy said. “It wasn’t difficult to make friends with different groups of guys.”
He also fondly remembers his teachers.
“There were so many amazing teachers at Trinity,” Jeremy said. “They weren’t just teachers; they were excellent role models.”
Dr. Tom Zehnder ’63 and Dr. Dan Zoeller H’07 were two of Jeremy’s favorite teachers.
“I took Dr. Zehnder’s economics class, and I’ve never forgotten it,” he said. “He made learning fun, and he was a character.”
“Dr. Zoeller was a great teacher,” Jeremy continued. “He helped me grow my interests and skill set around writing. My major at the University of Kentucky was integrated strategic communications with a creative advertising focus. Dr. Zoeller’s creative writing instruction still helps my brain be more creative.”
After earning his bachelor’s degree at UK in 2002, Jeremy returned to Louisville. His first job was selling advertising for “LEO Magazine.” When the owner sold the publication, Jeremy moved into what would become a career in philanthropy.
However, Jeremy was introduced to fundraising in high school by a tragic accident. In 1997, one of Jeremy’s best friends, Shaan Willis, a St. Xavier High School student, passed away. Jeremy wanted to do something to support Shaan’s family, and he and friends started the Team Shaan Foundation. They quickly organized an annual golf outing that has been held for more than 25 years.
“That’s what got me into philanthropy,” Jeremy said. “I saw at an early age that people can make a difference. The Team Shaan Foundation has raised over $1 million for youth charities in Shaan’s memory.”
Jeremy’s first job in development was at the American Cancer Society. He went on to positions at Greater Louisville Inc. and the American Red Cross. In 2022, he was selected as the inaugural executive director for the LouCity & Racing Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Louisville’s professional soccer clubs. In 2024, Jeremy became the chief development officer for Metro United Way. He provides executive leadership, strategy development and planning and execution for the region’s cornerstone and legacy agency. Metro United Way ensures our region has thriving kids, strong households, and equitable communities, so everyone can thrive.
In addition to his professional philanthropy, Jeremy has served on numerous boards, including the University of Kentucky National Alumni Association, Greater Louisville UK Alumni Association, UK College of Communications Dean’s Leadership Council, Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, Nativity Academy, Dare to Care, and Capital Access Corporation. He has been recognized in Louisville Business First’s “40 Under 40” and “20 People to Know in Nonprofits.” He has also participated in several leadership programs, including with the Leadership Louisville Center, Leadership Kentucky and United Way Worldwide. Additionally, he received American Red Cross Excellence in Leadership, William T. Young UK Alumni Association Award, and the Dr. Richard Wolfe Leadership in Action Award.
Jeremy continues to be involved at Trinity. His son Landon is a Trinity freshman. He also served on the Alumni Board of Directors, helps to plan his class’s reunions, attends Alumni Business Circle events and plays in the annual Trinity Alumni-Sandy Newman Golf Scramble. He’s also a donor to the Trinity Annual Fund, which provides financial aid for 43 percent of Trinity families.
“Trinity laid a solid foundation in my life during some of my most formative years,” Jeremy said. “I learned the importance of discipline, developing and investing in friendships, accountability and achievement. Knowing how deeply Trinity cares about its students, I want to help fuel its ability to impact more young men. That’s why I continue to give to the Trinity Annual Fund.”
In addition to their son Landon, Jeremy and his wife, Kristen, have a son, Tate, who is a sixth-grader at Holy Trinity Catholic School. Jeremy and his family are members of Holy Trinity Parish.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
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